Quakers and Finding Your Center in Turbulent Times

In this episode of Quakers Today, host Peterson Toscano explores how we can remain steady when the world feels like it is spinning out of control. We revisit a vital conversation with Australian activist and Quaker Adrian Glamorgan about activism, despair, and finding our specific leadings. We also hear from Kat Griffith on the spiritual work required to bridge deep political divides in rural communities. Peterson also shares a personal reflection on the "chemistry of fear" and how the choice to love is a practical move against alienation.

This Season of Quakers Today is sponsored by:

• Friends Fiduciary
• American Friends Service Committee

The Chemistry of Fear and the Choice to Love

Peterson reflects on a message received during Quaker worship regarding the physiological impact of fear. Drawing on research and the wisdom of bell hooks, he discusses how fear narrows the mind and fuels "structures of domination."

“The choice to love is a choice to connect—to find ourselves in the ‘Other.’” — Peterson Toscano

Remaining Steady with Adrian Glamorgan

We revisit words from Adrian Glamorgan, the Asia and West Pacific Section Executive Secretary of the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC). Adrian shares his journey from "angry activist" to a grounded Quaker, emphasizing that quiet time is not inaction—it is a neurological reset.

• Read Adrian's article: “The Devoted Path,” December 2024 Friends Journal

Bridging the Divide: Kat Griffith

How do we talk to neighbors when political tension feels insurmountable? Kat Griffith shares her experiences in rural Wisconsin. This segment features audio from the QuakerSpeak video series.

• Watch the Video: How to Bridge the Political Divide Through Faith

Reviews and Recommendations

Book Review: Hiking Zen: Train Your Mind in Nature By Phap Xa and Phap Luu. Reviewed by Trevor Brandt. A practical guide to mindfulness through movement, helping us transform suffering into a new way of being.

• Read the full review: Friends Journal Book Review

Recommendation: Scavengers Reign Peterson recommends the 12-episode animated series Scavengers Reign (available on HBO/MAX and Netflix). Set on a distant planet, it explores how life flourishes through ecological balance rather than "Good versus Evil." If you do not have access to Max or Netflix, you can watch the original short film version for free on YouTube: Scavengers. Both were written and directed by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner.

Explore the Creators' Work: josephbennett.tv

Answer our Monthly Question. Imagination Required!

If you, or a group you are part of, received a thank-you note sent to you from 100 years in the future, what would the people of the future be thanking you for doing today?

Share your response:

• Voicemail: Leave a message at 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). Add +1 if calling from outside the USA.
• Email: Click here to email the show
• Social Media: Find us on TikTok, Instagram, and X.
  • You can follow Peterson on Bluesky and Facebook.

Listener Voices: How do you stay steady?

Special thanks to our social media contributors and listeners for sharing the practices that anchor them:

• Pumanti: Transparency in politics.
• MemawClaus: Making something from scratch.
• Copperkey13: Breathing.
• Jenny Okamoto: Dogs and a crackling fire.
• TransQuakerism: Assembling and painting miniatures.
• Andy: Taking prescribed medications.
• Catherine Habegger: Deep breathing.
• Sheila Garrett: A Thich Nhat Hanh meditation practice: “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.”
• Thanks also to Manda.and.her.menagerie, Youngfriendsmke, sarahmudd60, Gail, Rejena, Tom, Richard, and everyone who left voicemails and answered on social media.

Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation.

Thank you to our Sponsors

The American Friends Service Committee works at the forefront of social change to meet urgent needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Since 1948, AFSC has worked for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. Today, its Gaza team delivers lifesaving aid, while U.S. advocates push to end the occupation and apartheid system. In July 2025, AFSC and seven other Quaker groups declared, “Quakers discern genocide is occurring in Gaza and urge courageous action.” Read the statement and take action at afsc.org/crisis-gaza. Learn about other initiatives and actions at AFSC.org

Season Five is also sponsored by Friends Fiduciary. Friends Fiduciary unites Quaker values with expert investing. They serve more than 460 organizations with ethical portfolios, shareholder advocacy, and a deep commitment to justice and sustainability.

They walk the talk on environmental stewardship. The Quaker Growth & Income Fund has a 70% smaller carbon footprint than the benchmark. Friends Fiduciary supports science-based targets and urges companies to adopt clear, immediate climate transition plans. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org.

Sponsors

Quakers Today is a project of Friends Publishing Corporation. This season is sponsored by:

• Friends Fiduciary: Ethical investing through a Quaker lens. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org.
• American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): Challenging injustice and building peace. Visit afsc.org.

For a full transcript, visit QuakersToday.org.